OPEN: Journal of Arts & Letters (O:JA&L) will consider articles/editorials/position papers concerning the contemporary state of literary and fine arts for possible publication in the journal and for inclusion as broadsides, pamphlets, or chapbook collections for release via O:JA&L’s new imprint HOT BUTTON PRESS Contemporary Issues. 

The Basics

Topics: You must write about the state of contemporary literary or fine arts. If you aren't familiar with the HOT BUTTON PRESS Contemporary Issues areas of interest, consider the following list of appropriate topics:

1. Activism/agitprop in art and contemporary literature

a. An HBP:CI collection of these articles is currently in process.

2. Issues of contemporary Americana (art, literature, music)

3. Emerging world art, music, and literary schools/movements/trends

4. Creative processes and AI/acts of AI originality (esp. creative use of AI)

Expertise: This might sound obvious, but you must be knowledgeable about these issues. We are an arts publication and our readers are experts in our field. No empty posturing.

Length: Articles should be between 750 and 1,500 words. 

Tone: Articles may be conversational or academic in tone.

The Process

Submit the full text of your article via our submission manager. 

Our response times will vary from two hours to twelve weeks or more.

Accepted editorials/articles may be published in two formats. 

1: Accepted articles may be released to the general readership via the OPEN: Journal of Arts & Letters (O:JA&L) website. The writer will be credited as “Guest Editor” on the website. 

2: Selected topically related articles may be gathered under single covers and released to subscribers and Patreon supporters as free PDF collections. To be eligible for inclusion in these specialized offerings (broadside, pamphlet, or chapbook), specific authorization must be granted by the submitter at the time of submission via a special form in the Submissions manager. 

Preferred Formats

When planning to write an article for us, please consider one of these formats:

Position Paper

This type of article presents an arguable position on an important issue. Use the standard format for this type of article including 1) ntroduction and thesis, 2) strong arguments and evidence in support of thesis, 3) opposing and qualifying ideas, and 4) a compelling conclusion.

Problem-solution-benefit
This type of article presents a problem, explains the steps that could be taken to achieve a workable solution, and discusses the benefits of that solution.

Case study
A case study presents an example of a particular situation, i.e. the story about how an organization identified and solved a problem, the reasons why it was h, problems encountered along the way, and the benefits of the outcome.

Supporting Elements for Your Editorial/Article

When submitting an article for consideration, please include the following supporting information:

Images (optional)
Supporting photos, charts, graphs, or artwork to support your article and enhance the reader’s experience will be requested upon acceptance if this supporting material is available.

About the author (required)
Provide a professional biography of up to 75 words in third person that includes quality-related qualifications and experience, as well as hyperlinks to professional or commercial websites.

NOTE: For preferred format/content of professional biographical statements, visit the O:JA&L link at: https://ojalart.com/contributing-editor-hermione-laakeeditors-advicehow-to-prepare-a-professionalbiographical-statement/ . 

Sources Cited (optional/dependent upon nature of the editorial/article)
Include quotes in your article whenever practical, with permission or appropriate citation. When quoting individuals, first obtain their informed consent, and include their title upon first reference. For academic references, consult the MLA stylesheet. Permissions are the liability/responsibility of the submitters. Failure to appropriately cite sources can be viewed as plagiarism.

Plagiarism is a concern for all publishers. Dictionary.com defines plagiarism as “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work, as by not crediting the author.” 

Be careful.